Students’ Cognitive Test Anxiety on Academic Performance in Traditional and Virtual Learning Environments: A Comparative Study of Punjab University and Virtual University Students
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: A learning environment is specifically crafted to optimize student outcomes by establishing conditions that facilitate effective teaching and meaningful learning experiences. This necessitates consideration of diverse learner characteristics and contextual factors to maximize educational impact. This research investigates the impact of cognitive anxiety during tests, and associated expected performance of students in online distance learning programs in comparison with traditional learning programs at the undergrad level. Within the quantitative paradigm, this research adapts two models; Additive Model of Zohar (1998) and Learning-Testing Cycle of Schutz & Davis (2000). A group of 210 students from Virtual University and a group of 208 students from Punjab University were purposively selected. Further, a test of Pearson Coefficient of correlation and regression was conducted to analyze the correlation among variables; Cognitive Test-Anxiety, academic performance and learning environments. Findings indicate a negatively significant correlation between Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) and Cognitive Text Anxiety. These findings suggest that the undergrad students of University of Punjab show more Cognitive Test-Anxiety than Virtual University which leads to low academic performance rate among Punjab University students. The accumulative results show that online learning programs are helpful in dropping Test-Anxiety. The Government of Pakistan should encourage these online programs in order to promote efficient learning. Further, counselling programs conducted by the educational bodies can reduce test anxieties in traditional learning environments. Keywords: Cognitive Test-Anxiety (CTA), Academic Performance (AP), Punjab University (PU), Virtual University (VU)
Source: The Dialogue
Institution: University of Central Punjab
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223482327